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Indiana Pacers 2021-22: Season Preview

Matt Huff, Director of Recruiting and Development
Indiana Pacers

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - FEBRUARY 11: Domantas Sabonis #11 of the Indiana Pacers looks at the scoreboard during the first quarter of the game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on February 11, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. Indiana defeated Detroit 111-95. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Leon Halip/Leon Halip)

The Indiana Pacers are currently at the bottom of the league to start the season. However, there is still a lot of season left to go and this team does have solid pieces they can trust. The Pacers may not be a dark horse playoff favorite like they were when Victor Oladipo was at the helm. However, this team still has the potential to possibly make the play-in tournament. Especially when you take into account they play in the weaker Eastern Conference. Without further adieu, let’s delve into what to expect from this Pacers squad and who could be the breakout player.

Indiana Pacers Season Preview

What to Expect

The Indiana Pacers possess a 4-7 win-loss record as of November, 8th 2021. As alluded to earlier, do not discount them from a postseason spot this early. This team narrowly missed out on the playoffs last year and before that, had made the playoffs for the past 10 seasons prior. With a little bit of luck and some upset wins this season, the Pacers could find themselves back in the playoff picture around the seventh or eighth seed depending on who they match up within the play-in tournament.

Remember, this team does have a two-time All-Star who is often forgotten about in Domantas Sabonis and also drafted Chris Duarte who looks like a strong Rookie of the Year candidate early on in this season. Not to mention, Caris LeVert is a professional “bucket getter,” and Myles Turner, though inconsistent, is a strong paint presence. All in all, this Indiana Pacers team has enough talent to net them at least an eighth seed in the Eastern Conference.

Breakout Player

As alluded to already, Chris Duarte is looking like one of the steals from this year’s NBA Draft. As of November, 8th 2021, Duarte is putting up numbers of 16.0 points, 4.5 rebounds per game, and is shooting 42.2 percent from beyond the arc. The 6’6 Oregan sensation may be listed as a shooting guard, but he is versatile enough where the Pacers can utilize him as a small forward as well.

Another aspect of Duarte’s game is that he is fearless. Despite being a rookie, he looks calm and collected at all times out on the court. He already has a magnificent feel for the game at the pro level and his confidence is going to continue to rise. A lot of rookies tend to force things in their first year, but not Duarte. He already looks like he has played 10 years in this league. The Indiana Pacers organization has to be excited about what the future holds for this kid.

Projection

The Indiana Pacers may be struggling right now, but there is hope that they can right the ship before it gets worse. The one advantage they always have is that they are always an “under the radar,” team. No one really pays attention to them until it is too late and you see how much talent is actually on this roster. Behind another All-Star season from Domantas Sabonis and a stellar rookie campaign from Chris Duarte, the Indiana Pacers can get at least past the play-in tournament.

Main Photo: Embed from Getty Images

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